Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPL-SE2512-3R3

Overview

MPL-SE2512-3R3 from Monolithic Power Systems is a semi-shielded power inductor with 3.3 µH nominal inductance (±20%), 90 mΩ typical DCR, 2.1 A rated current (ΔT = 40 K), and 2.4 A saturation current at both 25°C and 100°C ambient - designed for DC-DC converter output filtering in space-constrained portable power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MPL-SE2512-3R3 datasheet, MPL-SE2512-3R3 pinout (no pins; surface-mount terminal configuration), MPL-SE2512-3R3 application in buck converter output stages, or MPL-SE2512-3R3 equivalent for low-profile 3.3 µH power inductors, this page delivers verified electrical specs, thermal derating context, package dimensions, and real-world selection guidance.

Technical Context

This inductor operates across -40°C to +125°C (including self-heating) and maintains inductance stability up to 38 MHz self-resonant frequency. Its semi-shielded construction minimizes magnetic flux leakage while enabling compact 2.5 mm × 2.0 mm × 1.2 mm footprint.

Rated current (2.1 A) is defined by 40 K temperature rise on a standardized single-layer PCB (35 µm Cu, 30 × 50 mm); saturation current (2.4 A) reflects 30% inductance drop at both 25°C and 100°C ambient - indicating stable core material behavior over full operating range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Surface-mount passive component with two solder terminals; no traditional pinout. Package is a semi-shielded molded SMD inductor measuring 2.5 mm × 2.0 mm × 1.2 mm (L × W × H), with land pattern optimized for thermal dissipation on single-layer PCBs (35 µm Cu, 30 × 50 mm).

Key Features

Applications

Availability

MPL-SE2512-3R3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered wearables, IoT edge nodes, and portable medical devices requiring stable component supply with tight thermal and dimensional constraints.

Supply support for MPL-SE2512-3R3 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Monolithic Power Systems (MPS) is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in high-efficiency power management ICs and magnetics, headquartered in Kirkland, WA, with global design and support centers.

The MPL-SE series targets miniaturized DC-DC power stages in portable electronics, emphasizing low-profile magnetics with controlled EMI, thermal robustness, and compatibility with automated SMT assembly.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable board temperature rise when operating at rated current?

The rated current of 2.1 A is defined as the DC current causing a 40 K temperature rise above ambient on a standardized test board (35 µm Cu, 30 × 50 mm). Total operating temperature must not exceed +125°C - meaning ambient must stay ≤85°C under full load in worst-case layout conditions.

Does MPL-SE2512-3R3 have a polarity marking or directional orientation?

No. This is a non-polarized passive inductor; terminals are functionally interchangeable. However, orientation affects thermal coupling to adjacent components - mounting with longest side parallel to airflow or heat spreaders improves cooling.

How does saturation current change between 25°C and 100°C ambient?

Both ISAT 25°C and ISAT 100°C are specified at 2.4 A - indicating the ferrite core's saturation threshold remains stable across the full operating ambient range, unlike some powdered-iron alternatives that degrade significantly above 85°C.

Can this inductor replace MPL-SE2512-2R2 in an existing 2.2 µH design?

Only if circuit stability and transient response are re-verified. Increasing inductance to 3.3 µH raises impedance at switching frequency, reducing ripple but increasing output impedance phase lag - potentially affecting loop compensation in tightly regulated buck controllers.

Is the land pattern compatible with standard 0805 or 1005 footprints?

No. The 2.5 mm × 2.0 mm body requires a custom land pattern per datasheet Figure 4 (page 4), with 0.6 mm pad width and 1.8 mm center-to-center spacing. Standard 0805 (2.0 × 1.25 mm) pads are too small and misaligned, risking solder joint fatigue.

What is the typical core material used in MPL-SE2512-3R3?

MPS specifies no core material in public documentation, but measured B-H curve linearity, stable ISAT across temperature, and 38 MHz SRF indicate a high-frequency Mn-Zn ferrite formulation - distinct from iron powder or sendust cores used in higher-DCR, lower-SRF alternatives.